12 feared dead in ammunition depot fire in Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 13: About 12 people are feared to have been killed in the devastating fire at the 21 Field ordinance depot at Khandeoo in south Kashmir.

''We expect six to eight more fatal casualties in the fire,'' a Defence Ministry said here.

Due to the nature of the accident, it is still not possible to ascertain exact details of the casualties, he said.

Confirmed reports, however, indicate that three persons (which include two firefighters of the depot and a civilian labourer) have died in the incident.

However, official sources said two persons, including a woman, died when a shell exploded near their home yesterday. They, along with other villagers, had entered the village despite warning by the Army and civil administration.

Eighteen people were wounded, 10 of whom were discharged after treatment and another six to eight fatal casualties are expected.

Details would become clearer when the rescue and clearance operations are completed, he said.

UNI